The county cricket season may have just started but for one former Middlesex CCC player raising money in the London Marathon for a cause close to his heart is the only thing in his sights at the moment.

Popular former wicket keeper David ‘Nashy’ Nash has been busy pounding the pavements in a bid to raise as much money for Shooting Star Chase Children’s Hospice Care – and has already smashed his initial target of £6,000.

The wicketkeeper who played for The Seaxes from the age of nine, playing 140 First Class matches between 1997 and 2006 – making 297 catches and 23 stumpings – became involved with the charity during his benefit year.

Nashy, who also averaged 35 with the bat, hit 11 first class centuries and toured with England A in 1997, said: “As a dad of five daughters it’s a great charity which looks after kids so I’ve always been happy to help such a brilliant cause.

“Shooting Star Chase Children’s Hospice Care has been close to my heart since I started supporting them back in my 2007 testimonial Year. I’m so proud to be an ambassador for this amazing cause.

“They are available 365 days a year, and families receive their support free of charge, in their own homes and communities and at their two children’s hospices. They need to find £23,000 a day to provide all these vital services so I’d politely ask as many people as possible to dig deep and support this wonderful charity.”

Nashy still has links to the 2016 County Champions through an ambassadorial role for the club but is now also a successful businessman employing more than 20 people through his events company he runs with his brother, D&G Partners.

He will be joined on the gruelling 26.2 miles course next month by colleagues and friend Michelle Wallis – who he apologies to for ‘having to put up with him daily in the D&G office’ and Chris Corbin, who Nashy knows through his company’s affiliation with Argos.

But, it’s not just training which is taking up good sport Nashy’s time. For the former professional sportsman who has run the London Marathon twice before for charity – and who is a Middlesex man to his boots – is also deciding which outfit to wear for the run.

He adds with a smile: “I ran the marathon as a bottle of juice and I’m still deliberating whether to run as a minion or something else this time – basically I’m in talks to come up with a ridiculous outfit so watch this space. All ideas are welcome!”

To sponsor Nashy visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/David-Nash1978.

To learn more about D&G Partners click on www.dandgpartners.co.uk.